PHUKET —
Nearly 5,000 U.S. Navy personnel will enjoy free reign to explore Phuket during a port visit by the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77) and its escort, the destroyer USS Delbert D. Black (DDG-119), from October 4 to 9, 2026.
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The carrier is carrying approximately 4,800 sailors, while the destroyer has about 320, bringing the total to roughly 5,000. According to Phuket police, about 30 percent of the personnel are women, and around 80 percent are young service members visiting the island for the first time.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Surachai Sukhsai, commander of the Phuket Provincial Police, said after a coordination meeting with U.S. Force Protection representatives that the sailors will face no geographic restrictions. They may visit any part of the island, though most are expected to head to Patong Beach and the surrounding entertainment districts. Travel will primarily be by bus or van. Renting motorcycles or riding as passengers on them is strictly prohibited.
The ships will anchor several kilometers offshore from the deep-water pier. Personnel will be ferried ashore by two transport boats in trips lasting 30 to 45 minutes. All sailors must return to the vessels by October 8.
“This is designed to give them a full opportunity to rest and relax,” Pol. Maj. Gen. Surachai said. “At the same time, we want to support the local economy. Sailors can stay on the ships or book hotels on the island.”
Phuket authorities, including provincial police, tourist police, special branch, administrative officials, and the Provincial Administrative Organization, have coordinated security and traffic measures to ensure safety for both the visiting personnel and local residents.